A Royal Experience At The Rambagh Palace Hotel In Jaipur, India

The price of royalty

Known as the “Jewel of Jaipur”, this luxurious palace remained the home of the royal family of Jaipur until 1957. It was then converted into a hotel by Maharaja (King) Sawai Man Singh II, and later in 1972, was sold to the Taj Hotel Resorts and Palaces. The Rambagh Palace offers 79 spectacular suites, all restored from the former uses of the Maharaja. You will find that these rooms and suites available for booking are beyond beautiful, complete with separate living areas, and private bathrooms. The bathrooms are full of essential goodies, such as aromatic shampoos and soaps. Extras are available, and all you need to do is make a phone call to the reception to receive additional towels or toiletries. You will love sleeping in the royal queen- and king-sized beds, which are positioned in front of the televisions offering full entertainment packages in both Hindi and English. The prices for these rooms are definitely not cheap, starting out at 20,000 INR (293 USD) per night for a Luxury Garden View Room, and ending at an incredible 120,000 INR (1758 USD) per night for the Grand Royal 1 Bedroom Suite.

Participate in the King's game of polo

During the day, you will participate in an array of options, including privately dining in one of the alluring gazebos, or an evening stroll through the lush gardens. The Jewel of Jaipur was built in 1835 and has since been used for many purposes. In fact, it was originally built with the intent of being a garden house for Kesar Badaran who was the Queen’s favorite handmaiden. It was refurbished in 1887 into a hunting lodge – due to the surroundings of a large forest at the time. During the reign of Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II, the name was changed from Kadar Badaran ka Bagh to Rambagh, and in 1910, the king’s grandson, Prince Sawai Man Singh II, came here to stay during his accession to the throne. The Prince then began the conversion of the Rambagh into the grand palace we know and love today. In 1925, by taking a mix from Mughal as well as Rajasthani architectural styles, the palace finally became the permanent residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur! It was here that his family enjoyed many rich festivals and polo tournaments, making it safe to say the 1930s were definitely the golden years of this magnificent palace.

Wine, dine, and enjoy a fine Cuban cigar

There are various restaurants to choose from on the premises, including the Rajput Room, open all day serving many continental lunch and dinner options. There is also the Polo Bar where you can enjoy alcoholic beverages along with a wide selection of Cuban cigars. The Suvarna Mahal opens at 7.00pm, and serves a wonderful selection of Indian cuisine. Crisp salads that overflow with mixed greens and seasonal vegetables or a hot bowl of creamy soup is certain to leave your taste buds begging for more. For lunch, you have options such as several hot sandwiches, and you can even create your own by selecting from the many fillings and breads available. The most difficult decision you may have to make during your trip is deciding what to have for dinner. You will find there is a smorgasbord of dishes to choose from that include hearty pastas, succulent chicken as well as lamb cuts, and Indian specialties so delicious you will want to kiss the chef!

For those of you who may be travelling for business, you’ll be delighted to know there is the Chamber of Princes that is perfect for conferences. The chamber can hold up to 14 guests, and has a 64-inch TV holstered onto the wall allowing you to show your presentations. There are also many shops available on the palace grounds selling clothing and fine jewelry. The traditional hand-made Indian kurtas and dresses start at around 1000 INR (14.65 USD), and you are more than welcome to negotiate with the shop owners. If you are not comfortable doing yoga out in the gardens or the patio, there is a private yoga studio as well as a salon and spa where you can be pampered.